Niger’s military government slams Macron for backing President Bazoum
Military rulers accuse president of France, Niger’s former colonial master, of interfering in domestic affairs.
Tensions between France and Niger escalate as Niger's military government accuses French President Emmanuel Macron of "blatant interference" in its domestic affairs. The criticism comes in response to Macron's continued support for ousted Nigerien leader Mohamed Bazoum and for backing the Economic Community of West African States' (ECOWAS) threat of military intervention to restore Bazoum to power. Col. Amadou Abdramane, speaking for the Nigerien junta, said Macron's remarks aim at "perpetuating a neocolonial operation" against Niger. Public sentiment in Niger appears to align with the junta, as thousands recently demonstrated against the French military presence in the country. Despite the expulsion orders for the French ambassador and the military's distancing from France, Macron maintains that his decisions will be based on consultations with Bazoum, challenging the new administration's legitimacy.